Vladimir Putin is said to be confronting a potential coup amidst turmoil spreading throughout Moscow. The Russian president is reportedly wary of a suspected plot orchestrated by supporters of his top security council official, Sergei Shoigu. This unease has purportedly prompted the government to restrict internet access in central Moscow, particularly around critical security and military sites believed to be involved in a scheme to overthrow Putin.
A television channel affiliated with the secret services, Channel VChK-OGPU, aired an unverified claim suggesting that Shoigu’s faction was conspiring against Putin. Shoigu, who previously served as defense minister overseeing operations in Ukraine before being dismissed in May 2024 and appointed as the Kremlin security council secretary, has seen strained relations with Putin. Several of Shoigu’s close associates have been removed from their positions, detained, and even imprisoned on corruption charges.
Recent developments include the arrest of former deputy defense minister Ruslan Tsalikov on suspicion of accumulating a substantial fortune through illicit means. Speculation arises that Shoigu himself could be the next target for removal and detention, although he reportedly still commands loyalty within the defense ministry, secret services, and other influential circles in Russia.
Notably, Shoigu has been absent from public view since March 5, coinciding with the onset of communication disruptions in Moscow. Concerns of a potential coup led by Shoigu’s faction have been voiced by VChK-OGPU, despite skepticism over the likelihood of such an event. The channel highlighted the widespread communication disruptions affecting law enforcement facilities and personnel residences, similar to past incidents involving failed coup attempts.
The ongoing internet outages have sparked frustration among businesses and residents in Moscow, with social media platforms like Telegram being blocked and causing disruptions in everyday activities. The restrictions on communication have coincided with increased scrutiny on individuals close to Shoigu and himself, raising suspicions of internal power struggles within the Russian political landscape.
As tensions escalate, questions loom over the future of Shoigu and the implications for Russia’s stability. The situation unfolds against a backdrop of territorial gains by Ukraine in the ongoing conflict and economic uncertainties facing the country following years of conflict and casualties among Russian forces.